Estwing8 Pound Wood Splitting Maul Tool with 36 Inch Hickory Wooden Handle, Steel Blade, and Superior Shock Absorption for Effortless Wood Splitting

I haven't swung a maul in more than 20 years, so it was a bit of a shock to lift this up to do a little splitting, but oh boy was I super happy with it. The handle is sized correctly and of good quality. The thing blows oak rounds apart, even in my inexpert hands. I am very pleased with it, it feels like a maul should. Solid, lively feel with very little reverb back into the hands or shoulders. I picked up a fiskers the other day it just felt wrong, like there was little control, and I have seen a bunch of reviews that complain about the shock to the hands, even if people still like them. I grew up with axes and mauls, and this FEELS like it is old school, plus splits better than anything I had growing up.

Best maul I have used for all types of wood, but especially for hardwood like oaks. Good weight and balance.But, here’s my update: head snapped off after six months… no miss hits. But, I like the maul. I have ordered another hickory handle 8 lb and a fiberglass 8 lb maul. Great for splitting, personal workouts, and handy. I recommend the maul at this price. I wish I could find another hickory handle to fit the broke off maul head.

The media could not be loaded. I broke the handle on my favorite axe. I won't spend $40 on a replacement handle. I will craft a one for it. But that takes time to get it right. So I was in need for a backup axe. This 8 pound maul is it. It is a good splitter. I already split. Red oak, hickory ash elm Osage orange also known as hedge. Two hits to quarter a 20"log. All but the ash and elm both I fell over a week ago and if you don't split them within three days they become very hard to split. But 4 or 5 hits did split them. The thing I really enjoy about this axe. It pulled right out after landing with a solid thud. Blade was a good 2"or 3" deep. One push down on handle and lift right out of the wood. I like splitting wood. I do not enjoy trying to remove a axe from wood that won't let go. I not sure if it's the slick finish over the metal or the design yet.. and on the the handle. I don't care for the finish it has. Feels like it will soon flake off and the wood will dry out and crack. I will sand the finish off. Soak in oil for a week. Then I will let it dry for a few days. This will keep the wood in the very best condition. Won't crack or rot or split and insects won't touch it. Any kind of oil. Cooking oil or Baby oil. Even motor oil.

Sharp out the box. Splits wood just fine.

The splitting maul is a significant weight to handle: be sure you're in good shape, and stop when you get fatigued. You really don't want to miss with this thing. It's sharp and splits well although you'll want to remove the varnish from the handle to avoid blisters.

It works. It sharpens easily... It's a maul so it's easy to use but it takes effort! Pretty easy to swing though and it brings the power! Logs often fly apart so keep kids well away from the danger zone.

The maul itself split in two places by the time I was done using it.During my chopping if the maul did not split on first swing I used a sledge hammer on it like a wedge. Obviously it was not designed for this so the steel split in 2 places. I should have taken pics but I did not before returning.I'm not sure if the steel in my particular unit was less quality or the design itself is poor.

This is a seriously underrated axe with a great design at an exceptional price point. However it should be noted this (8lb version) is a very large maul with a pretty thick diameter handle. I am rather strong 6’9” person with large hands who’s been splitting wood since my teenage years and I consider the axe an absolute beast in size and weight. The extended beard is an especially nice touch for an overstrike. I have yet to encounter anything this cannot split, wet or dry. Great minimal vibration through the handle, which is very solid yet lightweight. Love that hickory. The only way I think you’ll be dissatisfied with this axe is how much raw power you need to wield it. Not a toy.